It does sound like Starcontrol 2 but the copy protections different so it mite be something else. one of Sid Meiers games maybe?

I know it isnt star control.

You play with 1 ship. not really founding colonies.

most of what i remember in the game was going around space, dodging aliens who want to kill you, and when it came to exploring planets, you had to be careful which ones you chose to go to. there was a animation sequence when you landed the ship on the planet from the POV of the main screen on the bridge. if you touched down on a planet that was too large, the gravity crushed the ship and it was game over. after that you went out on a little rover and explored the planet.

Maybe Sentinel Worlds?

Though according to MobyGames it doesn't have a copyprotection but a booklet with paragraphs to read (like Wasteland). So I guess it's not the game you're looking for... :(

And Hard Nova probably is a bit too combat-rpgish I guess?

Starflight maybe? At least it had a sequel...

Moved from FON to Requests

Maybe Reunion?

EGADS! Starflight! thats it, Thanks a ton!

Starflight | 1986 | Electronic Arts | [APPROVED]